The most exciting aspect of this apartment is the patio -- it is almost impossible to find a studio in Manhattan with more than a fire escape as outdoor space. When I was apartment hunting, I was told I would not be able to find an apartment in my ideal area -- the Upper West Side -- in my price range, so it’s safe to say I found my dream space. It has been an adventure transforming this apartment from a basic New York rental into a space that reflects my personality; this is my first apartment, and slowly I am collecting pieces to replace the various hand-me-downs. I love scouring flea markets all the way from Boston to North Carolina to find unique pieces that I hope to keep forever.
Lastly, I love the amount of storage I’ve found within these tiny walls. Beyond having the usual excessive amount of clothes that most young women do, I also run an Etsy shop out of this space. My closets and cabinets are full of paper goods and art supplies, including my prized tabletop letterpress.

Biggest Challenge of Living in a Small Space

Small spaces come with small kitchens. I love to cook, bake and entertain, and I refuse to let my tiny kitchen hold me back. My 18 inches of counter space has not prevented me from making homemade ravioli, baking enough cupcakes to feed my entire office, or throwing dinner parties. In a small apartment, you have to work with what you have, and I try to do just that with my tiny home!